Photographic processing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A photographic sheet material processing apparatus wherein, in one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a platen which may be tilted to present an inclined surface. A solution applicator channel, flush with the surface of the platen, extends thereacross and communicates with a solution chamber. A pump is provided for forcing processing solutions into the chamber and through the applicator channel. Solution flow modifying members are provided between the chamber and the applicator channel in order to assure that the solution flows in a uniform stream over the active surface of the platen. The material to be processed is placed emulsion side down over the platen and positioned to extend above and beyond the applicator channel. In another embodiment, the platen is of arcuate shape and is placed in an upright position.

United States Patent [191 N eedleman 1March 20, 1973 PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSING APP R TUS [76] Inventor: Samuel Needleman, 177 Louis [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 826,501, May 21,

1969, Pat. NO. 3,601,029.

[52] U.S. Cl. ..95/95, 95/89 R [51] Int. Cl. ..G03d 13/04 [58] Field of Search ..95/89 R, 94 R, 95, 96, 97, 95/98, 99, 100

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,166,999 1/1965 Dement ..95/95 3,427,949 2/1969 Knight et al. ..95/96 X 2,168,997 8/1939 Lankes et al..... ..95/94 R X 3,097,584 7/1963 Wright ..95/89 R X 3,192,846 7/1965 Wright ..95/89 R X 979,858 12/1910 Hotze ..95/95 3,555,990 l/l97l Dittman et al ..95/95 2,986,988 6/1961 Dyck ....95/96 X 3,610,131 10/1971 Prick et a] ..95/94 R Primary Examiner-Samuel S. Matthews Assistant Examiner-Fred L. Braun Attorney-Frederick E. Bartholy [5 7] ABSTRACT A photographic sheet material processing apparatus wherein, in one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a platen which may be tilted to present an inclined surface. A solution applicator channel, flush with the surface of the platen, extends thereacross and communicates with a solution chamber. A pump is provided for forcing processing solutions into the chamber and through the applicator channel. Solution flow modifying members are provided between the chamber and the applicator channel in order to assure that the solution flows in a uniform stream over the active surface of the platen. The material to be processed is placed emulsion side down over the platen and positioned to extend above and beyond the applicator channel. In another embodiment, the platen is of arcuate shape and is placed in an upright position.

4 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures Pmmmmeo I975 3.721. 175

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JA/IUEA Mic-01:91AM WQ ATTORNEY PHOTOGRAPIIIC PROCESSING APPARATUS This application is a continuation-in-part of my pending application Ser. No. 826,501 filed May 21, 1969, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,601,029.

This invention relates to the art of photography and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for the processing of photographic sheet material, such as film or paper, be it black and white or color.

In the treatment of photographic materials with various solutions for the development of the latent image and the fixation thereof, it is extremely important that the particular solution be uniformly applied to the emulsion surface in order to prevent uneven action of the reducing agents. Uneveness results in streaks and blemishes which cannot be readily corrected once development has progressed.

It is also important that good surface contact of the solution be achieved in order to obtain consistently satisfactory results. In the processing of multilayer material as used in color photography, it is particularly necessary that such interface contact be established between solution and emulsion surface to provide satisfactory penetration in order to uniformly develop all layers.

Various types of apparatus and methods have been proposed with the above-stated objectives in mind. In present practice, tray, tank, and drum developments are generally used. In such methods, the material is immersed in the photographic processing solution and is either moved therein, or the solution is agitated, to reduce the surface tension and increase effective contact with the material. Such agitation inherently produces turbulence of the solution. The above types of apparatus require relatively large amounts of solution with respect to the area of the material to be processed and, as such, are inefficient, wasteful, and time-consuming.

The present invention departs from the immersion technique and introduces the concept of allowing the sensitized material to float over a uniform stream of processing solution which flows by gravity over an inclined surface.

Attempts have been made in the past to spray processing solution directed at the edge of sheet material to be processed, as for example in US. Pat. No. 3,555,990 to E. A. Dittman.

As mentioned before, it is a fundamental requirement in the art of photography that, to obtain a perfectly developed negative or positive, whichever the case may be, it is absolutely essential that the solution be it developer or fixer be uniformly applied to the sensitized surface. Any non-uniformity obviously results in either overdeveloped or underdeveloped areas causing blotches or streaks. Turbulence of the liquid applied must be avoided.

The problem of creating a uniform stream of processing solution alone is difficult to solve, and to apply such a stream evenly onto the sensitized surface.

is by no means simple. Obviously, directing a spray of processing solution at the edge of a sheet material resting on an inclined support contradicts the fundamental requirements, inasmuch as a spray in any form represents turbulence and non-uniformity; particularly so, when it originates from distinct and separated sources. Such a device inherently is not capable of uniform application of processing fluid.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of this invention to provide an apparatus and method of procedure for processing photographic sheet material which results in uniform development of the latent image, even over very large areas when utilizing an inclined support for the material.

A particular feature of the invention is that the apparatus constructed in accordance therewith assures a laminar flow of processing solution under the emulsion side of the sensitized material.

It is a particular advantage of the invention that the processing of photographic materials may be effected at greater speeds and with a minimum amount of solution required, resulting in economy of operation.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a photographic processing apparatus which is capable of simultaneously handling several pieces of sheet material of various sizes.

Other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of the invention, pointed out in particularity in the appended claims, and taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the processing apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 44 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a partial enlarged sectional view of a portion of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged sectional view of a portion similar to FIG. 5, including certain modifications.

FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged sectional view of a portion as seen in FIG. 5, including certain modifications.

FIG. 8 is a partial enlarged view of the retainin gbar seen in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the essential features of the apparatus illustrating its use for the simultaneous processing of different sizes of sheet material placed in tandem.

FIG. 10 is a partial enlarged sectional view of the choke bar seen in FIG. ll.

FIG. 1 l is a front elevational view in perspective of a modified embodiment of the processing apparatus.

Referring to the figures, as seen in FIGS. -1 and 2, the apparatus comprises an oblong box-like structure having side walls 12, l3, l4 and 15 with a base 16 and a top 17, the latter being a platen over which the sensitized material is processed as will be explained later.

The side walls l2, l3, l4 and 15 extend above the platen 17 to form a frame'in which slots 20 are provided at certain corresponding intervals on each side so that these may accommodate a bar, such as 21 in FIG. 1, which lies across the platen 17. The platen 17 is firmly attached to the surrounding walls and terminates in a V-shaped configuration; consisting of side 22, bottom 23, and side 24 which is attached to the panel 25 extending to front wall 13. In this manner, a trough 26 is formed. The slant of the trough is in the direction of the wall 12, to which is attached a pump 30. The intake of the pump 30 communicates with the outlet 31 of the trough 26 (FIG. 2). The outlet of the pump 30 is connected by means of a pipe 32 to the valve 35.

The enclosed space between the bottom 16, the platen l7, and the side walls of the apparatus, is for the purpose of holding a climatizing solution 36, such as water, which, in the tilted position of the frame as shown in FIG. 2, contributes to provide additional weight against the side 13. The edges of walls 13 and 14 are cut at an angle to form a rocker 37 whereby the apparatus may be tilted to either a slanted position as shown in FIG. 2 or to a horizontal position as shown in FIG. 1. In both positions, the shifting weight of the climatizing solution assures required stability.

Continuing with the description of FIGS. 1 and 2, it is seen that a solution applicator channel 38 which communicates with a solution applicator chamber 4!} is provided across the entire width of the platen 17. In the view in FIG. 1, the entire length of the channel 38 is not seen, but only a cutaway portion is shown inasmuch as the bar 34 overlies the channel 38. The function of the bar 34 will be explained later. The chamber 40 (FIG. 2) is of tubular configuration, having a wall 41 in the shape of the letter omega, the base 42 of which is solidly attached by means of supporting inserts 43 and 44 to the platen 17 and to the wall 15. One end of the chamber 40 terminates at the valve 35 and the other end may be sealed up or, if desired, may terminate in a I second valve 39. The purpose of the latter is simply to allow liquid, such as wash water, to be introduced into the chamber 40 from any suitable outside source.

As seen in FIG. 1, a heater 45, having a heating element shown in dotted lines, may be placed in the enclosed portion of the apparatus. A cord 46 provides power to the heating element. Similarly, the motor of the pump (not shown) may be connected to a power line by the cord 47.

In the front, the panel 25 may be provided with cutouts which accommodate containers 50 and 51 which dip into the climatizing solution. These are mainly for convenience to keep various types of processing solutions at the required temperature to be used in connection with the operation of the apparatus. A drain 52 may be conveniently attached to a valve 53 in communication with the pump 30. A vessel 54 is provided for draining or for recovery of the processing solution.

Prior to continuing with the description, it may be briefly mentioned that the various solutions which are intended to be used for processing are placed in the trough 26 from which, by virtue of the pump 30, the solution is applied under pressure through the valve to the solution applicator chamber 40.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, 6 and 7, it is seen that between the applicator channel 38 and the solution chamber there are various solution flow modifying elements. The first of these consists of the Venturi tubes 55 which are part of a baffle plate 56. These are of progressively increasing diameter and have a flared portion 57 communicating with the solution chamber 40. The purpose of the Venturi tubes is to equalize the pressure from the solution applicator chamber 40 in the direction toward the applicator channel 38. These are similar to those described in my copending application hereinbefore referred to, and have equivalent functions.

Between the outlets of the Venturi tubes and the applicator channel 38 there is provided a solution flow diffusing element 59 in the form of a multicellular spongy substance. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.

1, 2 and 5, the diffusing element 59 is shown as filling the channel 38 so that it extends into the platen 17 and is flush with the surface thereof. This was found to be an efficient, practical application. However, the diffusing element 59 may be differently arranged, or in some cases, particularly in apparatus of small size, may be omitted as shown in FIG. 7. For example, in FIG. 6, the diffusing element 59 does not extend into the platen 17 but is placed thereunder and the applicator channel 38 is cut in the platen 17 at an angle in the direction toward the slope thereof when the apparatus is tilted.

A further solution flow modifying arrangement com prises deflector plates 61 strategically placed in the axial direction of the solution applicator chamber 40. These are of a horseshoe configuration and function to deflect the solution flowing under pressure in the applicator chamber 40 to make certain that the Venturi tubes 55 receive the proper amount of solution. It was found that in an apparatus of larger size the solution under pressure in the chamber 40 would rush by some of the Venturi tubes 55 without adequate solution pressure at that point.

It should be mentioned here that the solution flow modifying elements, namely, the Venturi tubes 55, the diffusing element 59, and the deflector plates 61, are important constructional parts of the developing apparatus herein shown and make it feasible to fulfill the requirements of producing a proper flow which is an absolute necessity in order to obtain a laminar flow over the platen 17 and under the sheet material as will be explained later.

The diffusing element 59 is preferably of polyurethane foam material although other substances having an open multicellular structure may also be used as diffusers. Porous ceramic material will also fill the requirement.

Continuing with the description, the sectional view .in FIG. 4 shows more clearly the arrangement of the trough 26 and certain of the functional accessories, namely, the sheet material retaining bar 21 and the choke bar 34. The function of the latter will be explained in connection with the description of FIG. 10.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, showing the cross sectional views of the solution applicator chamber 40 and the constructional features of the solution flow modifying elements give further illustration of the modifications which may be used. It is seen that the sheet material 58 to be processed is so placed as to extend over the outlet of the applicator channel 38. In FIG. 6, the sheet material 58 is held by means of an adhesive tape 66 and a clamp 67 which is slideable over the wall 15. This is a convenient way to hold the material 58 free floating over the platen 17. A retaining bar 21, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, may also be used. This fits into opposite slots 20 provided in the frame formed by the walls of the apparatus.

FIG. 8 shows the construction of one form of the retaining bar 21. It is to be noted that the vertical portion 68 thereof extends so as to slide into selected slots 20. Attached to the bottom of the bar 21 is a length of foam material 69 which is similar to that utilized as the diffusing substance 59 in the channel 38. When the bar 21, as shown in FIGS. 1 or 2, is inserted, the sheet material 58 rests against the foam material 69 or pegs 70 so that it is thereby held in place and at the same time allows the solution to flow through into the trough 26.

Considering FIG. 9, a skeletal view of the apparatus is shown in perspective to illustrate the particular feature whereby two or more sheets of sensitized material may be processed simultaneously. Parts which are not material to this phase of the operation have been omitted to provide a simpler illustration. As can be seen, the frame is divided over the platen 17 so that one sheet of photographic material 58 is held by retaining bar 21 in such position as to have its edge lie over the applicator channel 38. The second sheet of photographic material 58B is placed in tandem with the first and is held by a second retaining bar 213. It should be noted that retaining bar 218 is of different construction in that a series of pegs 70 replace the polyurethane material 69. These pegs rest on the surface of the platen 17 and allow processing solution to pass by into the trough 26. This is shown merely by way of example inasmuch as the bar 21 may also be used in this position, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Referring to FIG. 10, the enlarged partial view illustrates the mounting of the choke bar 34. This bar comprises a flat upper portion for manipulation and a downwardly extending plate 71. The end of the latter is generally provided with a strip of spongy material 72 similar to the type utilized as the diffusing substance 59 in the applicator channel 38. The choke bar 34 may be held above the plate 17 by any suitable resilient means, such as springs 73 and 73 shown in FIG. 4, and is slideable in grooves provided in the side walls 12 and 14. The purpose and function of the choke bar will be described in connection with the operation of the PI'OCCSSOI'.

Referring to FIG. 11, the apparatus shown here contains all the structural elements and functional assemblies hereinbefore described except for the modification in the shape of the platen 17. Instead of being a flat plate tilted at a predetermined angle, it is of a curved semi-circular form describing an arc between the wall 15 and the base 16. As shown in this illustration, two sheets of sensitized material 58 and 58B are supported by clamps 67 and 67, slideably arranged over the edge of wall 15 and retaining bar 21, respectively; the sheets being affixed to the clamps by means of adhesive tapes 66 and 66'.

Referring to the operation of the apparatus herein described, let us first consider FIGS. 1 and 2, showing the general assembly. The processing unit is placed in such position as to rest on the forward portion of the rocker 37. In this inclined position, as seen in H6. 2, the climatizing solution 36 lends additional weight and stability so that the position of the apparatus is quite firmly maintained. The trough 26 is filled with the particular solution which is to be applied to the photographic sheet material. Let us assume that we are dealing with the development phase, so that the solution in the trough 26 is a developer.

The choke bar 34 is in its normal position, held up by supporting springs 73 and 73. This allows for placement of the sheet material 58 over the platen 17 in such manner as to overlie the applicator channel 38. The material is held by the retaining bar 21 placed in one selected pair of slots 20, depending upon the size of the sheet. The pump 30 is now started. The solution is pulled from the trough 26 through the trough outlet 31 to the pump inlet 30, thence under pressure through pipe 32, through valve 35 thence through chamber 40, it encounters the deflector plates 61, whereby the velocity thereof is restrained to make certain that all the flares 57 and Venturi tubes 55 are supplied equally with processing solution. This flow is infinitely dispersed by diffuser element 59, namely, the spongy polyurethane material and exudes in an even flow into applicator channel 38 thence with a uniform flow against the bottom of the emulsion side of the sheet material 58 and with the aid of gravity, it flows toward the trough. From the trough 26 it again enters the pump and thus is recirculated. By virtue of the solution flow modifying elements between the solution applicator chamber 40 and the applicator channel 38, the flow under the sheet material 58 becomes a uniform stream which evenly applies the developing agent against the bottom surface of the sensitized material. It may be said that the sheet material 58 is, in fact, floating on a curtain of the circulating solution.

At times the operator may desire to apply solution to both sides of the sensitized material 58. This is the purpose of the choke bar 34. By depressing it, the foam material affixed to the bottom thereof restrains the solution flow under the material and allows it to flow over it. By careful manipulation of this bar, it is feasible to regulate the solution flow under and over the sheet material '58. This is quite useful when the material 58 has a dual coating, e.g., in X-ray film, or when an antihalation layer must also be removed during development and washing cycles.

The choice of structural features in the applicator channel assembly, of which certain modifications are seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, depends upon the particular size of the apparatus or special use thereof. In every case, the solution flow modifying elements assure a streamline flow of liquid over the platen 17.

Several sheets of photographic material may be developed simultaneously in a unique manner by placing them in tandem, as seen in FIGS. 9 and 11. For this purpose, utilizing the construction shown in FIG. 9, the retaining bar 21 holding the sheet material 58 is of the type having a strip of polyurethane foam material affixed to the lower edge. Surprisingly, while it impedes the flow of processing solution over the platen 17, when saturated, it will allow a flow-through to the second sheet 588 without disturbing the quality of uniformity and laminar characteristics of this flow. Consequently, the second sheet 58B will have its emulsion surface developed in the same manner as the first sheet which overlies the applicator channel 38. The second retaining bar 218 may be of the type which has pegs since, at this point, it is not important that the liquid returning to the trough 26 flow in a uniform stream.

The operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 11 is based on the same principle of laminar flow of processing solution except that the shape of the platen is different. This type of assembly is particularly useful where available space in the horizontal plane is limited.

This invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific embodiments herein shown and described but departure may be made therefrom within the scope of the accompanying claims, without departing from the principles of the invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for processing photographic sheet material comprising a platen of oblong configuration, means for supporting said platen at an acute angle so as to present an inclined surface, a channel having walls extending transverse to said platen, a solution applicator chamber communicating with said channel, pump means forcing processing solution into said chamber, dual solution flow modifying means between said channel and said chamber comprising a plurality of pressure equalizing Venturi tubes distributed in the direction extending axially to said chamber, said tubes being of progressively varying diameter having flared ends facing said chamber, and a series of plates of U-shaped configuration distributed in the direction axial to said chamber and extending transverse thereto, whereby the flow of liquid from said channel over said platen is substantially uniform and transverse bar means for holding the sheet material to be processed over said platen in a position overlying said channel.

2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said bar means comprises a pair of longitudinally extending members displaceable in a position transverse to said platen and positioned in slots provided in the side walls of the apparatus.

3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein one of said bar means has a bottom surface covered with a multicellular spongy substance permitting the flow of liquid over said platen.

4. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein one of said bar means is normally resiliently supported over said platen clearing the sheet material to be processed and adapted to be positioned over said platen and depressed to contact said material. 

1. Apparatus for processing photographic sheet material comprising a platen of oblong configuration, means for supporting said platen at an acute angle so as to present an inclined surface, a channel having walls extending transverse to said platen, a solution applicator chamber communicating with said channel, pump means forcing processing solution into said chamber, dual solution flow modifying means between said channel and said chamber comprising a plurality of pressure equalizing Venturi tubes distributed in the direction extending axially to said chamber, said tubes being of progressively varying diameter having flared ends facing said chamber, and a series of plates of U-shaped configuration distributed in the direction axial to said chamber and extending transverse thereto, whereby the flow of liquid from said channel over said platen is substantially uniform and transverse bar means for holding the sheet material to be processed over said platen in a position overlying said channel.
 2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said bar means comprises a pair of longitudinally extending members displaceable in a position transverse to said platen and positioned in slots provided in the side walls of the apparatus.
 3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein one of said bar means has a bottom surface covered with a multicellular spongy substance permitting the flow of liquid over said platen.
 4. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein one of said bar means is normally resiliently supported over said platen clearing the sheet material to be processed and adapted to be positioned over said platen and depressed to contact said material. 